A2🔤 Letters O & P
Italian word
ottimo
excellent, very good (superlative of 'buono')
Looks like
optimum / optimal
optimal: the best possible
⚠️ The trap
English 'optimum' sounds technical. Italian 'ottimo' is completely everyday — used where English speakers say 'great', 'excellent', or 'brilliant'. 'Tutto ottimo' = everything's great. It's the absolute superlative (the absolute best) not just very good.
To say "optimal: the best possible" in Italian:
ottimo (correct — absolute superlative of buono)
"ottimo" in English means:
excellent, very good (superlative of 'buono')
Example
"Che ottima idea! Andiamo!"
"What an excellent idea! Let's go!"
Test your Italian level
Find your level and start the right lessons for you.